How to Make a Classic Old Fashioned Drink

Are you looking to unwind after a long day at work? Why not try making yourself a classic Old Fashioned cocktail? While this drink has been around for over a century, it continues to be a popular option for those who enjoy a smooth, sophisticated tasting beverage. In fact, it’s so simple to make, you can easily whip one up at home with a few basic ingredients.

To start, you’ll need some whiskey, sugar, and bitters. These can all be found at your local liquor store. Next, take a glass and muddle the sugar and bitters together until it forms a paste. Then, add ice and your preferred amount of whiskey to the glass, stirring it all together until it’s well mixed. Finally, garnish with an orange peel or a maraschino cherry, and you’re good to go! So why not give this classic a try and enjoy a taste of the past in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

Making an old fashioned drink is easy and straightforward, and the ingredients you require are pretty basic. You’ll need:

• 2 oz. of bourbon or rye whiskey
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• A sugar cube or a teaspoon of simple syrup
• An orange or lemon peel
• Ice cubes

The ingredients may vary slightly depending on your personal preferences, but these are the most common ones required to prepare an exceptional old fashioned drink.

Pick Your Glass

The type of glass you use to make your drink matters a great deal. Typically, an old fashioned glass or tumbler is used to make an old fashioned drink. It is a short tumbler with a thick bottom that can withstand the pressure of muddling the ingredients. When choosing a glass, go for one that is transparent so that you can see the drink’s color and appreciate the whole drinking experience.

Muddle Your Sugar

Before adding the sugar to your drink, muddle it to release the flavor and dissolve it properly. When muddling sugar, a wooden muddler is recommended as it does not create debris and works fine with sugar cubes and simple syrup.

Add Bitters

The next step is to add bitters to the sugar. Bitters are created by infusing various herbs and spices and are essential to achieving the classic old fashioned taste. By doing so, you’ll provide the drink with a delicious mix of flavors that go well together.

Add the Whiskey

Now it’s time to add the most important ingredient, the whiskey. You can use bourbon or rye whiskey or any other whiskey of your preference. Ensure that you pour the right amount of whiskey as this is what gives the drink its strength and flavor.

Stir the Drink

Stirring the drink correctly is essential to mix all the ingredients well while ensuring that the delicate flavors of the whiskey are not disturbed. Slowly stir the drink for approximately 20 seconds.

Add Ice

Once you have stirred your drink, add ice cubes to the tumbler. The ideal way is to use a large ice cube that melts slowly, thus cooling your drink evenly and preventing it from diluting too fast. You can also use crushed ice if you prefer, depending on your preference.

Garnish Your Drink

An old fashioned drink is never complete without a garnish. Traditionally, citrus zest is used to give the drink a fresh and vibrant aroma. You can use an orange or a lemon peel by squeezing the oils over the drink’s top and rubbing it against the edge of the glass to release its essential oils. Other classic garnishes include a cherry, a slice of orange, or a sprig of fresh mint.

Serve Your Drink

After adding your garnish, your old fashioned drink is ready to be served. Take a sip and appreciate the delicious mix of flavors that comes with each sip.

Conclusion

Making an old fashioned drink is a simple and satisfying process that anyone can learn. By following the steps discussed above, you can create a delicious and classic drink that will impress your friends and family. Remember, your drink is only as good as the quality of your ingredients, so ensure you use the best quality whiskey and fresh garnishes possible to achieve that perfect old fashioned taste.

Old Fashioned Recipe: What You Need to Prepare

Now that we’ve discussed the history of the Old Fashioned and what it tastes like, let’s dive into the recipe itself. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Whiskey
2. Sugar cubes
3. Angostura bitters
4. Orange wheel or twist
5. Maraschino cherries
6. Muddler
7. Mixing glass
8. Bar spoon
9. Jigger
10. Ice

1. Whiskey

The first ingredient of an Old Fashioned is whiskey. Bourbon is the most popular type of whiskey to use, but you can also use rye. For a classic Old Fashioned, you’ll need about 2 ounces of whiskey per drink.

2. Sugar Cubes

You’ll need sugar cubes to add sweetness to your cocktail. A traditional Old Fashioned uses one sugar cube, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. Some people prefer to use simple syrup instead of sugar cubes.

3. Angostura Bitters

Angostura bitters are an essential ingredient in a classic Old Fashioned. They add a complex flavor to the drink that balances out the sweetness of the sugar. You’ll need a few dashes of bitters per drink.

4. Orange Wheel or Twist

Orange is used as a garnish for the Old Fashioned. You can use an orange wheel or peel to give your drink a citrusy aroma and flavor.

5. Maraschino Cherries

Maraschino cherries are another common garnish in Old Fashioned cocktails. They add a touch of sweetness and color to the drink.

6. Muddler

A muddler is a tool used to mash the sugar cube with the bitters and orange slice. This will help release the flavors and create a paste-like consistency.

7. Mixing Glass

The mixing glass is where all the ingredients come together. You’ll want to fill it with ice to chill the drink.

8. Bar Spoon

A bar spoon is used to stir the drink and combine all the flavors.

9. Jigger

A jigger is a measuring tool used to ensure that you pour the right amount of whiskey and other ingredients.

10. Ice

Finally, to finish off the Old Fashioned cocktail, you’ll need to add ice to the mixing glass. The type of ice you use can affect the overall flavor and temperature of the drink. Large ice cubes are preferred because they melt slower.

Ingredients for an Old Fashioned Drink

An Old Fashioned is a classic and timeless cocktail that dates back to the early 1800s. It’s a simple drink that combines whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Old Fashioned:

Choosing the Right Whiskey

The whiskey you choose is an essential part of making a delicious Old Fashioned drink. Bourbon is the most commonly used whiskey, but you can also use rye, scotch or Irish whiskey. The important thing is to choose a whiskey that is smooth and doesn’t have a harsh aftertaste. You want the whiskey to complement the other ingredients without overpowering them.

Sugar Options

Traditionally, an Old Fashioned is made with white granulated sugar. However, you can also use brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. Each of these sweeteners will give your drink a unique taste. If using honey or agave nectar, you might need to adjust the amount to get the right level of sweetness.

Choosing the Right Bitters

Bitters are essential to an Old Fashioned as they add depth and complexity to the drink. Angostura bitters are the most commonly used bitters, but you can also use orange bitters or Peychaud’s bitters. Each of these bitters has its unique taste, so experiment to find the right one for you.

The Perfect Garnish

The perfect garnish for an Old Fashioned is an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. The orange slice adds a citrusy flavor, while the cherry adds sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add a twist of lemon or grapefruit to give your drink a different flavor profile. Remember to use fresh fruit, not canned, to get the best taste.

Cheers to a Classic!

Now that you know how to make a delicious Old Fashioned, it’s time to grab your favorite whiskey and put your skills to the test! Remember to mix it up to your liking, with different bitters, sugar cubes or even adding a splash of soda water or ginger ale. Thanks for joining me on this journey of mixology, and do come back for more classic cocktail recipes that are sure to be a perfect addition to your evenings, parties, or just enjoying alone time. Until then, cheers and happy sipping!